My meticulously curated travel guide for Washington, DC, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day with a morning run or bike ride on the National Mall.
Do not miss the “blue buck” pancakes at Eastern Market if you visit on a Saturday.
Georgetown is my favorite neighborhood for shopping. Take a coffee break and enjoy the best cupcakes in the city at Baked and Wired. Skip the long lines at Georgetown Cupcake for a tastier treat at Baked and Wired.
I recommend DC By Foot Tours. You name your price at the end of the tour and pay what you feel it was worth. My favorite is the twilight tour of the monuments.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Savannah includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
Savannah is the perfect weekend getaway and a great road trip for Floridians.
I’ve stayed at Mansion on Forsyth Park. The historic hotel is conveniently located across the street from Forsyth Park. The hotel is also home to the 700 Kitchen School, where you can take a hands-on cooking class.
Start your day with a jog or walk through the picturesque Forsyth Park. One of the most photographed spots in Savannah is the fountain at Forsyth Park. The Forsyth Farmer’s Market is held on Saturday mornings.
Savannah is home to so many great restaurants. Zunzies is an excellent option for lunch. For a unique dining experience, Mrs. Wilkes features a round buffet of Southern food in a historic old boarding house. The restaurant is only open for lunch M-F. The Green Truck Pub has excellent burgers and fries. The cupcakes at Back in the Day Bakery are delicious for a sweet treat. The owners have a beautifully illustrated cookbook featuring all the bakery recipes plus handy baking tips.
My meticulously curated travel guide for San Antonio, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
San Antonio’s rich history, diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and fabulous attractions offer something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are visiting San Antonio, I recommend staying near the Pearl Brewery. It’s a former brewery that includes restaurants and shopping near the Riverwalk.
Get up early and go for a run or walk along the Riverwalk. On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the farmer’s market at the Pearl.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Maine, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Start your day out at Tandem Coffee. It is the best coffee shop in town. The pastries are also popular, especially the biscuits. Don’t miss Holy Donut. These donuts are made with real potatoes not flour.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Charleston, South Carolina, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Charleston is one of the prettiest cities, a top culinary destination, a history buff’s dream, an architectural paradise, and a gorgeous seaside beach town. The Holy City is named after all the churches that dot the skyline. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.
If you have one day in Charleston, start with coffee at Second State, then go for a walk or run in the historic district.
After breakfast, take a carriage ride and a historical walking tour. For an afternoon snack, visit Sugar Bakeshop for a cupcake or Harken Cafe for a pastry.
My meticulously curated travel guide for 30 A Florida includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
30 A Florida is my favorite vacation destination in Florida. It’s the beautiful beachside towns along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A between Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City Beach, Florida. The beachside towns include Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Seagrove, Alys Beach, Watersound, and Water Color. Each has guidelines against high-rises and hotels, making it an ideal location to rent a beach house for the week. It’s great for families and a bachelorette weekend.
For those of you looking for a relaxing getaway, clean beaches, blue water, friendly people, shopping, beautiful rental homes, bike rides, food trucks, farmers markets, and live music, you will love visiting 30A, Florida.
My meticulously curated travel guide for Portland, Oregon, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Portland is one of my favorite layovers. The city is divided into many charming neighborhoods. It is one of the best cities for hiking, gluten-free dining, outstanding coffee, boutique shopping, and craft brews.
If you are in town on a Saturday, do not miss the Portland Farmer’s Market.There are many food booths at the market, not just produce.
Portland is one of my favorite places to shop since there is no sales tax and there are many boutiques. I also could spend hours browsing the books at Powell’s Books. It is the largest independent bookstore in the country.
For fantastic sunset views of Mt. Hood, drive or hike up to Pittock Mansion. The grounds outside the home are free to visit and offer stunning views of the city and Mt. Hood.
For lunch, I love the tacos and garden salad at ¿Por Qué No?The Portland City Grillis a great spot for happy hour specials. It is downtown on the 30th floor of the building with panoramic city views. Skip dinner at Portland City Grill and go to Shalom Y’alldowntown. The menu features Mediterranean street food plus Turkish coffee & cocktails. Continue reading “Portland Oregon Travel Guide”→
My meticulously curated travel guide for Venice Beach, California, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
Venice Beach is my favorite district in Los Angeles. If you are visiting for the day, download the TAP app and ride the Big Blue Bus from the LAX Bus Terminal to Venice.
Start your day with an authentic bulletproof coffee at Dave Asprey’s Upgrade Cafe, then walk or run along the beach.
For breakfast, I love the juices and smoothies at Moon Juice.
Venice has excellent shopping along Abbott Kenney Boulevard. My favorite shops are Cuyana and Christy Dawn.
Stop in Gjusta for an afternoon snack and caffeine fix.
For dinner, I recommendGjelina. The lamb burger is outstanding, and the veggies are cooked to perfection.
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Oxford, Mississippi include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, and is one of my favorite college towns. There are many great restaurants, shops, and bookstores. The Ole Miss campus is stunning.
Oxford is centered around “The Square.” The gorgeous, white county courthouse anchors the square and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and adorable shops. Continue reading “Oxford Mississippi Travel Guide”→
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Jacksonville, Florida include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
When I have a layover in Jacksonville, I start my day with a run along the river downtown. If I am in Jacksonville on a Saturday morning, I stop by the Riverside Arts Market to pick up some fresh produce. After a run, I hit the juice bar at Natural Food Market in the eclectic Five Points neighborhood. I love cherry limeade. I like to peek inside Jane Doe, an adorable fashion boutique. Nearby is my favorite coffee shop, Bold Bean. Sweet Theory is my next stop to pick up gluten-free and vegan treats. Everything is made fresh daily. The next stop is Southern Roots, a great cafe for lunch. I love the vegan queso. Other popular spots for lunch include Whiteway Deli. It is the oldest deli in Jacksonville and where the locals dine for lunch. Order the Tabouli.Stop at Carmin’s Pie House if you are craving Italian food.
Avondale is another lovely neighborhood near Five Points. Check out Crave and the jewelry at Ellie Bing for designer trends. There are several antique and vintage shops. Moon River Pizza serves pizza by the slice.
San Marco is my favorite neighborhood for boutique shopping. For the latest fashion trends, stop by Rosie True and Reve. Wardroom LTD is an adorable gift boutique. A few notable restaurants in San Marco include Maple Street Biscuit Company and the Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille.
I also love checking out Chamblin Book Mine downtown. It is a treasure hunt for book lovers. Eat at Taco Lou if you spend the day at the beach. Continue reading “Jacksonville Florida Travel Guide”→
My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Palm Springs, California include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
With Midcentury Modern architecture, poolside glamour, vintage shops, and delicious eateries, what’s not to love about Palm Springs?
My Waco City Guide is the only one you need to plan your trip to Magnolia.
Waco has been a popular tourist destination since Chip, and Joanna Gaines debuted their show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. The Gaines have several businesses in Waco, the most famous of which is Magnolia Market at the Silos. In addition to shopping and dining, there’s a beautifully restored church on the grounds.
Waco is a lovely city to visit, so get busy planning a day trip with all my recommendations.
I suggest starting your day with a cup of coffee at Common Grounds or breakfast at Magnolia Table. Next, visit the shops and grounds at Magnolia. Don’t forget to try the cupcakes at the Silos Bakery Co. The classic flavors include cute themed names like Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing) and Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing). After you visit Magnolia, drive outside of town to Heritage Coffee. It’s a beautifully designed coffee shop on a ranch. For the rest of the day, check out the antique stores and boutiques downtown or go on a tourof Waco. For lunch or dinner, I recommend Harvest and Cafe Homestead.
Keep in mind Magnolia is closed on Sundays. Waco is about 90 to 100 miles from the Dallas and Austin airports. You can easily plan a day trip from Dallas or Austin. Here is a link to my Austin City Guide. It’s jam-packed with links to all the best places.
Magnolia Table (breakfast or lunch)
It is located a few miles from the Silos. The best time to visit Magnolia Table, the restaurant, is between 6 am-8 am. The restaurant is only open till 3 pm.
Cultivate 7Twelve is a small art gallery offering local art and artisan goods for sale. Also hosts farm-to-table dinners, yoga, dance classes, live music, and art workshops.
Waco Hippodrome Theatre presents new and classic movies, plays, and concerts, plus in-theater dining in downtown Waco.
Dr. Pepper Museum is where you can learn about the oldest soft drink in the United States and how it started in Waco.
The Mayborn Museum Complex is Baylor University’s natural science and cultural history museum with fun, interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site and museum showcasing the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market features local artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, coffee, and food. Note: only open on Saturday in downtown Waco.
Waco Escape Rooms is a team-based game where players solve puzzles and find clues within one room to escape in a limited amount of time.
Waco Tours explores the hidden gems that make Waco unique with its guided tour options.
Hey Sugar Candy Store is a candy store with old-fashioned ice cream, gourmet popcorn, retro sodas, gourmet chocolate, and a large selection of bulk candy.
Hillcrest Estate is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Magnolia House is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Carriage House is a historic home turned vacation rental on the Magnolia House property, renovated by Magnolia on Fixer Upper.
I did not like the Hilton hotel. I think Air BNB is the best option for lodging or stay in Austin or Dallas and drive to Waco for a day trip. The Gaines are planning to open a hotel later this year in Waco.
GETTING AROUND
Silo District Trolley is a free trolley to get around the Silo District in downtown Waco. It picks up in front of Magnolia Market.
Below is a list of the best totes and backpacks for travel that I recommend.
Briggs & Riley Tote: I use Briggs & Riley’s luggage for work. This tote has lots of compartments to keep me organized. It’s worth the investment for the lifetime warranty.
Cuyana Zipper Tote: I use this carry-on bag for day trips and weekend getaways. It’s a classic tote that is stylish and holds up well.
Aer Travel Sling: The Aer Travel Sling is designed to keep your travel essentials close at hand. It features a padded laptop pocket, a quick access pocket for travel documents, and a versatile sling strap for multiple carry positions. This one is great for men.
Briggs & Riley Extra Large Tote: The Briggs & Riley Large Tote has lots of extra room if you travel with young children. I also like this tote if I go away for longer than a week.
Here are some travel tips, tricks, & tools I use to plan for a vacation.
Google Sheets: I use Google Sheets to create a spreadsheet with all my travel information. This is best done through your desktop/browser. If I end up without WiFi or data, I can still access any vital information or make updates on my trip.
U.S. Department of State Website: This website is another excellent resource for travel planning. They indicate the level of safety in each country based on the local political and health situations, including COVID-19, laws, general country information, current COVID-19 restrictions, border closures, and more. It’sIt’s also a good idea to enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when you travel, which will notify you of any dangers or exceptional circumstances.
Below is a list of what I pack in a carry-on bag to keep me entertained, hydrated, and feeling my best when I travel.
Cuyana Leather Zipper Tote: The Cuyana Tote is elegant and relatively affordable, costing less than $200 for a bag that’s made in America out of Italian leather. I also purchased the matching tote organization insert to keep my bag organized.I use Briggs and Riley exclusively for work trips due to the lifetime warranty. Airline crew are eligible for a discount. Email Briggs & Riley customer service to verify your airline employment for a discount code.
Cuyana Wallet: I purchased the Cuyana wallet to match my Cuyana tote. I also love the zipper wallet. I pack multiple credit cards and a debit card. I usually wait until I arrive to get local currency from the ATM. I also like the Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID-Blocking Passport Holder Travel Wallet. The trifold design allows you to store your passport, boarding pass, vaccination card, ID, SIM card, cellphone, cash, a key, a pen, and more within its slim design. Plus, it’s got RFID-blocking material to keep your private details safe.
Passport Case: If you are traveling out of the country or an airline employee traveling out of uniform, you will will likely need your passport along with your Global Entry Card. I can’t recommend this investment more highly and downloading the Mobile Pass if you’re flying from the U.S. Be sure to store your credit cards, passports and wallet in a RFID blocking pocket to keep your personal information safe.
Anker PowerCore+2100 Charger: I travel with multiple backup chargers.Anker is my go-to iPhone charger. If I’m out all day and don’t know when I’ll be able to access a wall outlet, I pack an Anker PowerCore portable charger. It can juice my iPhone to full capacity five times over before needing a charge itself. I also like Mophie chargers.
MacBook: I use a Macbook for writing, editing pictures, taking online courses, and watching programs away from home. Like iPods and iPhones, the MacBook can be charged from a portable battery pack, as long as you have a USB-C to USB-A cable. I use the Charmat Power Bank to charge my MacBook. I also like the Anker 537 Power Bank.
Twelve South AirFly Duo: The AirFly Pro is a tiny wireless transmitter that allows you to connect two wireless headphones to any headphone jack. You have to pair the AirFly Pro with your wireless headphones and then plug in the AirFly Pro to any headphone jack.
Friends Headphones: They fold up into a small pouch and rest over your ears so you can wear them throughout the entire trip.
iPhone: I read articles I saved on the Pocket app. I download podcasts ahead of time to listen to during a long flight. I use the Pocketcast app to listen to podcasts. If I am going on vacation, I download travel guides and maps. I use Spotifyto listen to music. Depending on your data plan, you may be able to turn your phone into a mobile hotspot and supply Wi-Fi to other nearby devices. This can save money on hotel Wi-Fi charges, and chances are you’ll have a faster connection to boot. On iPhone, you’ll find Personal Hotspot under Settings > Cellular. On Android, you’ll find Hotspot and Tethering in the Networking and Internet section.
iPad: I prefer to read on my iPad or Kindle. I use the Texture app to read magazines. I also use the Inflight Reader app to download free magazines before a flight. My local library offers free books that can be downloaded using Overdrive and the Libby app. Don’t neglect entertainment, either. For video, both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video allow you to store videos for offline playback through their mobile apps. Look for the download button next to the video you want to save. You can also download music for offline use if you subscribe to Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, Pandora, Amazon Prime, or Amazon Music Unlimited. For games on your smartphone or tablet, I’d suggest launching them in Airplane Mode before leaving to ensure they don’t require an internet connection.
Kindle: With an e-reader or tablet, you can enjoy endless entertainment in a slim package.
Silent Pocket Faraday Sleeve for iPhone: I use the silent pocket Faraday Sleeve for privacy protection. A Faraday Cage is simply an enclosure designed to block electronic signals and radiation. Silent Pocket’s Faraday line was inspired by creating privacy and security protection for our wireless devices. Once you drop your tablet or smartphone into one of our Faraday products, ALL signals to and from the device are cut off from the grid. It’s as though they are turned off with the battery taken out.
USB data blocker: USB data blockers let you charge your devices from other peoples’ USB ports (including charging kiosks) without the risk of their accessing your phone’s data or infecting it with malware.
Lightning-USB Charger: Most Apple chargers have lightning ports on both ends now, but many planes have USB chargers at each seat. Be sure to grab a lightning-USB charger if you have a newer Apple device you want to charge.
Anker 32 Port Charger: When I’m in an airport, hotel, or coffee shop, I’ll plug my iPhone into the compact Anker 32W port, which goes from zero to 50 percent in 25 minutes. Even better, I can use the second port to simultaneously charge my MacBook.
Slip Sleep Mask: The Slip Sleep Mask is one of my carry-on bag essentials for red-eye flights. I love this brand of silk pillowcases and sleep masks. Slip pure silk sleep masks are 100% pure silk, inside and out. They’re made with pure silk filler, internal silk liner, and a silk-covered elastic band. Make sure your sleep mask and pillowcase are 100% silk.
Truffle Clarity Pouches: Truffle’s pouches provide a simple solution to staying organized. The clear plastic means you’ll never dig through multiple bags to find your lipstick or essential documents. All of the pouches keep products upright and intact. The Petite Clarity Purse is ideal for transferring from a carry-on to a handbag. The Large Clarity Pouch is for beach essentials (keeping their water and sand-free) or for more oversized items that you want to keep tidy in your suitcase.The Clarity Document Case is for toting travel documents, magazines, and even an iPad.
Somavedic: I use a Somavedic to negate the effects of 5G. The smaller model is ideal for airplanes, hotel rooms, cars, and small spaces.
Osmosis Harmonized Water: I like to pack one of these osmosis harmonized water kits when I travel internationally. The kit includes four minis to boost your cells into action. These waters are frequency enhanced for health. They are non-toxic, effective for all ages and improve your health on a cellular level. There is no expiration date on any of the Harmonized Waters. The energy is in the form of scalar waves, which means the water molecule always contains that energy until used by the body. As long as you do not put anything into the bottle once opened the water is always viable. This kit is the perfect way to get started on Harmonized Water. Find out more about Osmosis Harmonized water here.
de Mamiel Altitude Oil: Altitude Oil is the perfect travel companion to support and protect the immune system. Altitude oil is a mixture of essential oils with antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, including Lavender to ease tension, Eucalyptus to help clear your head, and Franconia to bolster immunity, and the antiseptic properties of Pine. Put a drop under each nostril or a few drops on a tissue and inhale deeply several times. This oil is not just for travel. Use it on any form of public transportation. Please keep it on your office desk when the room or your head needs cleaning. Sprinkle it onto your pillow when you have a cold or can’t sleep. Shake a few drops into the bottom of the shower when you wake with a stuffy head. Pop a few drops in a humidifier when feeling nasally or under the weather.
Jao Hand Sanitizer: Most sanitizers use a synthetic antibacterial agent called triclosan, which is controversial for its damaging effects on marine life and its peculiar tendency to spawn resistant bacteria. To prevent drying, the formula draws on a blend of essential oils, including Eucalyptus, geranium, Lavender, sage, and tea tree. Jao was tested against seven of the most likely hand contaminants. The “kill rate” was less than one minute in all cases. Unlike every other commercial antibacterial product I’ve used, this one didn’t make me want to rub my hands on a towel to get rid of a wet residue or an overpowering scent. I also like Osmosis Hand Sanitizer.
Compression Socks: I wear medical grade compression thigh high stockings when I am working. For personal travel, I usually wear compression socks. Sox Solution offers a great selection of compression socks for travel, work, medical and sports uses and has added more fashion-conscious designs. All their socks are made in Italy and have patented designs. I especially like the AB-X padding, which helps provide an additional cushion, which I like when I wear them as walking socks. I tried their new TSS6000 Soft Padding OTC and like the new softer fabric. They also include their Silver DryStat antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, which reduces foot odor and are quick-drying, minimizing blisters meaning you can wash them out in the sink and be ready to go the following day while traveling.
Travel Pillow: I like to pack an inflatable travel pillow for a red-eye flight. Go Sleep has released an upright sleep system. It includes an adjustable elastic cord with toggles that secure the seat or adjustable headrest, comfortably supporting the head in place.
Dr. Singha’s Travel Tonic: It’sa magic potion to help win the battle against jet lag. Travel often brings on various forms of stress caused by poor eating, disrupted sleep patterns, high speeds, and general apprehension. This great travel buddy can help you arrive calm and collected instead of tense and exhausted. Contains Organic extracts of Ginger Root, Eleuthero Root, Lemon Peel, Sheep Sorrel, and Wild Harvested Yohimbe Bark in a base of Organic Grain Alcohol and Distilled Water.
Water Bottle:When you travel, bring a BPA-free water bottle with a built-in filter to fill it up at any water fountain once you’re through security. I like the Hidrate Spark PRO Smart Water Bottle Tritan plastic or stainless steel. This rechargeable bottle links to the HidrateSpark app via Bluetooth to track how much you drink and remind you when to drink, and it even features a locator, so you never misplace it.
Argentina 23: I never travel without colloidal silver. It’s the best way I know to heal cuts, scrapes, sores, and burns quickly. It can also treat a host of common illnesses such as colds, flu, and sore throats and kill nasty germs. Read more about the many uses of colloidal silverhere.
Paris Nasal Ointment:It’s a must for anyone who travels due to the dry environment in airplanes. When your nasal passages get dehydrated, you get tiny tears or fissures in the skin. When that happens, viruses can get inside. If you keep your nasal passages moist, there’s a lesser chance of airplane viruses getting into your nose. I use a few drops of this in my nose when I fly. The astronauts use this product!
Goodwipes: These handy little items are a large, biodegradable, hypoallergenic body wipe you can take with you on the go.
Snacks: I always pack extra snacks in the event of delays, I like to make a hearty salad which I’ll pack in an old takeout container that I can toss at my destination.
MegaHydrate: Take 3-5 capsules on long flights to increase hydration and reduce free radical damage. Read more about MegaHydrate here.
Zumread In-Ear Earphones: These teeny and comfy earphones are powerful enough to tune out all peripheral plane noise.
Cord Taco: A cord taco is a genius tool for organizing charges, earbuds, and other wires. The premium leather significantly changes the look from messy to cool and organized.
LivOn Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C Sachets: It’s no secret Vitamin C provides essential support to a healthy immune system. Downing a few packets of this potent, hyper-absorbent formula before takeoff boosts my immune system when needed most.
Athletic Greens Travel Packs: Athletic greens give you a full foundation of vitamins and minerals, and probiotics to support your health and well-being.
Restore Sinus Spray: Restore Sinus Spray is designed to help you cleanse, soothe, and hydrate the delicate membranes lining your nasal passages.
Self Defense Flashlight: I also carry this around in my bag in case of a power failure so I don’t waste my iPhone battery.
Stasher Reusable Food Storage Bags: I pack a lot of food to eat when I travel. The Stasher bags do not take up a lot of space and allow me to heat food on the road. Stasher bags are safe for use in the microwave, a standard oven, or a pot of boiling water up to 400F. Stasher can take the heat, the cold, and anything else your kitchen dishes out. Thanks to the patented airtight seal, your food’s nutrients, flavors, and juices stay locked in.
Nature’s Way Supplements: I keep this brand of cold and flu supplements on hand during cold and flu season.
Travel Containers: I use travel containers for my beauty products and toiletry items. I purchase my containers at the Muji store and the Container Store. I recently ordered a set of Cadence capsules to store my skincare products. The magnetic capsules are leak proof, air tight, and super cute too.
Medicine: Always pack prescription medication in a carry on bag.
Supplements: I use these pill boxes from the Container store to store my vitamins. I also like the Ellie Grid Smart Pill Box. Ellie organizes your pills in seconds, reminds you to take your pills, and uses sensors to track your progress over time.
Caddis Blue Light Blocking Glasses: I like this design of blue light-blocking glasses to protect my eyes from screen time. Caddis lenses block 45% of harmful blue light at and surrounding, the most harmful wavelength (455 nm). This is more than other brands. The lens is nearly clear, which is hard to do. The anti-reflective coating helps to mitigate reflections and glare. The coating is designed to prevent smudging.
Caddis Eyewear Readers: I wear the Caddis Miklos tortoise reading glasses. They fit great and include blue-light-blocking HEV-coated lenses. This protects against eye strain and potential issues like headaches, tension, and sleeplessness.
As you pack and prep, create a morningchecklist on your phone for items you may leave, or that would be terrible to forget. Here’s what mine generally looks like:
Passport, IDs, documents
Wallet
Glasses/contacts
Headphones
Water Bottle
Headphones, Apple Watch, iPad, phone (fully charged the night before)
I started using an app which allows me to create a master list I can use for every trip and just add the special items I need for that specific trip. You can even create lists for different seasons so you can make sure to bring those winter boots and gloves in the winter and your sunscreen in the summer.
Here are my favorite totes and backpacks for travel.
Briggs & Riley Tote: I use Briggs & Riley luggage for work. This tote has lots of compartments to keep me organized. It’s worth the investment for the lifetime warranty.
Cuyana Zipper Tote: I use this carry on bag for day trips and weekend getaways. It’s a classic tote that is stylish and holds up well.
Aer Travel Sling: The Aer Travel Sling is designed to keep your travel essentials close at hand. It features a padded laptop pocket, a quick access pocket for travel documents, and a versatile sling strap for multiple carry positions. This one is great for men.
Briggs & Riley Extra Large Tote: The Briggs & Riley Large Tote has lots of extra room if you are traveling with young children. I also like this tote if I go away for longer than a week.
What about you? Does this look like your packing routine? What packing tips do you have to suggest I haven’t mentioned here?
P.S. I write a weekly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations. Sign up if you like and get my newsletter delivered right to your Inbox via this link. Here’s a link to the travel planning edition of the newsletter.
Austin ranks at the top of my list for places to visit. The capital of Texas has all of my favorites including Mexican food, Etsy style boutique shopping and a variety of outdoor activities. Austin is famous for it’s “dive joints” – eclectic, funky, mom and pop businesses that have a one-of-a-kind feel plus some of the best Tex-Mex and Barbecue in the state. Are you getting hungry? The city is a food lover’s paradise with no shortage of dining options. What once was a small hippie city has transformed into something much slicker thanks to big events like the SXSW music festival and celebrity sightings. Continue reading “Austin Travel Guide”→
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